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Notes:
WYRE FOREST DISTRICT COUNCIL
ANNUAL REPORT OF ACTIVITIES 2008/09
COUNCILLOR: John Campion
WARD: Sutton Park
Activities:
As Leader of Wyre Forest District Council I have additional responsibilities to those of a Ward Councillor.
The District Council has seen an exceptionally challenging year and I am pleased to say that it has risen to every challenge presented and I believe it has come out the other side a stronger council serving the local residents of Wyre Forest.
The Administration has continued to work with all parts of the Council and the Officer core in relation to progressing the Council's priorities as well as progress towards delivering the Council's major projects. In my role as Leader, I have attempted to build a consensus for decisions as they have had to be made and I am confident that all the decisions the Council has taken through this municipal year have been balanced and benefited from the excellent scrutiny process within the Council.
As part of my role, I have regularly attended the Council's Audit, Scrutiny and Policy Panels and Regulatory Committees. I would hope that my involvement and input has been positive throughout the work of these important committees.
During this municipal year we have seen the setting of one of the most difficult budgets within recent history but I believe that the Council has emerged from this process having protected its vital services and is now in a very strong position to take those massive challenges head on to continue to deliver high quality services for local residents.
During the municipal year I have been exceptionally active along with my two ward colleagues, Councillor Hart and Councillor Onslow. We have engaged with a wide number of local residents including an excellent representation at the Partners and Communities Together (PACT) meetings throughout the year. During the year we have met regularly with local residents as well as communicating through our regular newsletter delivered to all households within the ward informing them of local issues and action that we are taking. I have made myself available to residents by advertising my home telephone number, email address and home address to ensure that residents are able to contact me on any issues that may concern them. During the year I have canvassed a large portion of my ward along with my colleagues, ensuring that we are aware of residents' views on issues and problems affecting the ward.
Council Activities
Cabinet
Appointments & Appeals Committee
Achievements During the Year
One of my main achievements this municipal year has been the setting of the Council's balanced medium term Finance Strategy in a financial context which has seen unprecedented volatility on the global financial market. We have seen the collapse of National interest rates that has put severe budgetary pressure on the District Council. I am exceptionally glad that under the Administration's leadership we have managed to establish a sustainable and achievable medium term Finance Strategy that whilst it does see a reduction in the number of people the Council employs, it will continue to maintain vital local services to local residents. I am also exceptionally proud that we have managed to continue to provide a below inflation Council Tax increase of just 2.5% at a time when households within Wyre Forest are feeling the pinch of the very deep and dark recession that we are now entering.
During the last year the Council has adopted a new Corporate Plan which I believe sets the strategic direction for the Council for the future and ensures that all strategies and policies are co-ordinated in delivering the vital improvements that we wish to see in local services. I am very pleased that the Council took a holistic approach to the co-ordination of all members' aims and aspirations to create a Corporate Plan that all parts of the Council were able to sign up to. The important challenge for the future will be delivering those aims and aspirations and I look forward to the support of my colleagues to enable us to achieve this.
Within my Ward, my colleagues and I have been involved in a wide range of ward issues in which the vast majority we have been able to address or indeed progress. During the year we have seen the continued development of Brinton Park within the ward and the addressing of serious anti-social behaviour issues which also affect certain parts of Sutton Park.
Members' Surgeries
I, together with my ward colleagues, Councillor Hart and Councillor Onslow, have held meetings with residents as and when required to address pertinent issues.
Training and Development
LSP 'Learning to Deliver' Workshop 30/06/2008
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